Logo data generating apparatus, logo data generating method, and data storage medium

ABSTRACT

A logo data generating apparatus and method easily generate logo data suitable for storage to and output by a particular target printer without requiring a complicated process defining the image processing and data communication parameters. A source image obtaining unit obtains the source data used to generate the logo data. A model-specific data storage medium stores the model-specific data. A reading unit reads model-specific data for the target printer. A logo data generating unit generates the logo data by processing the source data based on the control data or the model-specific data. Specific control data is thus set automatically based on the model-specific data.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.10/033,548 filed on Dec. 27, 2001, which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a logo data generating apparatus andmethod for creating logo data stored in a printer, and relates furtherto a data storage medium embodying a computer-executable program fordirecting a computer to execute the steps of this method.

2. Description of the Related Art

Modern POS (point-of-sale) systems combine the functionality of aconventional cash register used to smoothly handle the exchange of moneyin conjunction with a product purchase with functions for collecting andanalyzing information relating to the purchased products. POS systemsare widely used in the sales and distribution industry, particularly bylarge and small retailers such as department stores and supermarkets. APOS system typically consists of a server or central computer forserving, collecting and analyzing data, and a number of POS terminalsconnected to the server or central computer. Each POS terminal is itselfalso a system and typically consists of a host computer for handlinglocal data processing operations, a line display or other displaydevice, a scanner for reading product bar codes, a cash drawer, and aprinter (POS printer) for printing sales receipts and/or other forms.

In addition to the names of the purchased products, quantity, unit priceand total cost information, receipts printed by a POS printer typicallyalso have a logo containing the name of the store or company and anidentifying brand mark. The logo can also contain image information suchas an illustration, product picture, and a graphic design of the productname, for example. This logo printing function can be used to printadvertising containing text and images on the receipt so that receiptscan also be used as an advertising medium or sales promotion medium.

Logos such as these printed to a receipt consist of digital image data(this logo image data is referred to herein as the “logo data”). Digitalimages are generally relatively large, which means that the effectiveprinter throughput is reduced when the logo data is sent from the hostto the printer each time a receipt is printed.

Color logos can also be printed for even greater advertising effect byusing a color printer for the POS printer. Color images, however, areeven larger than black and white images and even more time is thereforerequired for processing the image, receiving the logo data by theprinter, and printing. This further slows the printing speed andthroughput. At the same time fast printing is essential at a POSterminal because it is desirable to register the purchased products,issue a receipt, and complete transactions at the point of sale asquickly as possible.

With this type of POS printer it is therefore common to store the logodata in the printer so that a logo print command can be simply sent tothe printer to read and print the image from memory, thereby achievinghigh speed printing by saving the time required to transmit the imagedata when printing a receipt. The logo data is usually stored in theprinter using a logo data registration (storage) device.

By thus storing the logo data in the printer before printing it is nolonger necessary to send the logo data from the host to the printer whenprinting, thereby reducing the print data processing time on the hostand reducing data transmission requirements. Printing can also becompleted more quickly because it is not necessary to send the logo datato the printer.

The size of the printing paper, print resolution, and communicationparameters can also differ greatly according to the model of POSprinter. With color POS printers even the colors of ink that can beprinted (referred to below as the “printable colors”) are limited by theprinter model, and the printable colors can even be different in thesame model. It is therefore necessary to generate the logo data storedto the printer so that the logo data conforms to such model-specificprinter specifications as the print resolution, printable colors, andother printer features and the width of the printing paper. The logodata is therefore generated by first creating the basic image data fromwhich the logo is derived (the “source data” below), then adjusting thesize, color, resolution, and other features of the source data accordingto the characteristics of the target printer. The resulting logo data isthen stored to the POS printer using a logo data registration tool. Itis therefore necessary to define the model-specific data for the targetprinter, color reduction method, color assignment, and other specificsettings as parameters of the process for generating the logo data fromthe source data. These settings include numerous items such as theprinting paper size and printer resolution. A specific image process isthen applied according to the logo size, resolution, print colors, andother parameters based on the printer settings. The communicationparameters of the target printer are also set when the logo data isstored to the printer. If these settings are incorrect, problems such asnot being able to register or print the logo may occur. Even if the samelogo data is registered to multiple identical printers, it is necessarywith the method of the prior art to define the above parametersindividually for each target printer to which the logo data is to beregistered, thus requiring much time and an overly complex procedure.

Once color logo printing becomes possible, it is also expected that POSprinters will be more commonly used to print product advertisements,product and service coupons, and other such information on receipts. Onthe other hand, such advertisements and announcements change frequentlyso that unlike printing conventional store logos it is also expectedthat it will be necessary to frequently create new logo data containingcurrent information for a specific purpose (such as promotions and eventannouncements).

There is therefore a need to be able to register new logo data asquickly and easily as possible, and to edit and change logo data asquickly and easily as possible.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to resolving the problems describedabove, and an object of this invention is to provide a system and amethod for generating logo data quickly and easily for registration in aprinter.

A further object is to provide a data storage medium embodying acomputer program containing code for executing the method of theinvention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To achieve these objects, one aspect of the present invention provides alogo data generating apparatus that is configured to storemodel-specific data containing such printer-specific information as theprinting paper size, print resolution, and printable colors, and thatcreates the logo data by setting processing parameters for creating thelogo data based on this model-specific data. Based on the stored printerinformation, the logo data can be stored directly to a target printer,or can be saved in a format enabling the logo data to be stored to thetarget printer.

More specifically, a first aspect of the invention involves an apparatusfor generating logo data to be stored in and printed by a printer. Theapparatus comprises a source data obtaining unit configured to obtainsource data used to generate the logo data; a reading unit configured toread model-specific data for at least one target printer from respectivemodel-specific data stored for a plurality of printer models; a logodata generating unit configured to generate the logo data by processingthe source data based on the model-specific data read by the readingunit; and a storage unit configured to store the logo data generated bythe logo data generating unit.

In this aspect of the invention, the model identification dataidentifying the model of a particular target printer can be input by auser or can be read automatically from a connected printer. Themodel-specific data can also be defined as desired to, for example,determine the number of colors that the target printer can print and theprint resolution of the target printer. This eliminates the need tomanually input the target printer characteristics when generating thelogo data, and thus makes it possible to quickly and accurately setparameters for logo data generation.

In this aspect of the invention the model-specific data can be limitedto data that can be identified by the model identification data. Thisreduces the possibility for data input errors.

Receipt of some or all items for which setting is not required based onpreviously received or set control data can be disabled. Doing so, makesit possible to assure that accurate data is not replaced with erroneouscontrol data.

Yet further preferably, some or all control data can be initialized torespective specific values that can be changed based on other datareceived by the apparatus. Image processing can thus be performed, ifdesired, based on the initialization values without requiring datainput.

The receiving unit can be configured to specify the colors available forprinting in, or print resolution of, the target printer. Logo imagesconforming to the ink colors that can actually be printed by a colorlogo printer can thus be created.

The logo data generating unit can assign source data colors to specificcolors printable by the target printer based on the model-specific data.This makes it possible to freely assign the colors of a full colorsource data image to the colors that can be printed by the printer, andthus enables color assignments achieving the most desirable printedlogo.

The stored model-specific data may include communications parameters foreach of the plurality of printer models, and the reading unit can setcommunications parameters for sending logo data to the target printerbased on the model-specific data. This makes it easier to input thecommunications parameters for storing logo data to the printer.

Preferably, the logo data generating apparatus also includes an outputunit configured to output the generated logo data. This output unit canoutput a file containing the logo data, a printer registration commandfor storing the logo data in the target printer, and a data transmissioncommand for sending the printer registration command and logo data tothe target printer. This makes it possible to easily register the logodata in the target printer. Alternatively, this output unit can send thelogo data and a command that causes the target printer to store the logodata therein. This makes it possible to store the logo data directly inthe target printer.

The receiving unit can have a graphical user interface input function.This makes it easier for the user to input settings data.

The receiving unit need not display some or all input items for whichsetting is not required based on received data. This simplifies thedisplay screen and thus simplifies operation and data input errors.

Preferably, the logo data generating apparatus further includes adisplay adapted to display an image based on the source data and animage after processing by the logo data generating unit. This enablesimage-processing parameters to be set while referring to both the sourcedata image and the logo data print image. The display can also beadapted to display the images aligned for comparison on one side of thedisplay. This makes appropriate image processing easier because thesettings can be input while comparing the images.

In another aspect of the invention, a logo data generating systemcomprises memory for storing a printer model name and a predeterminednumber of printable colors, and print resolution of the printer model; areading unit for reading (or receiving) source data to obtain image dataprovided for printing as logo data; a display unit for reading anddisplaying the printer model name, number of printable colors, and printresolution stored in memory; a selection unit for selecting a targetprinter for printing out the logo data from among the printer modelnames displayed on the display unit; and a logo data generating unit forprocessing the source data to create logo data for printing based on themodel name of the target printer selected by the selection unit and thenumber of printable colors, and print resolution of the selected targetprinter.

In such a logo data generating system, the memory may also store paperwidth attributes of the printer model, the display unit may display thestored paper width attributes, and the logo data generating unit mayprocess the source data to create logo data for printing also based onthe paper width attributes of the selected target printer.

The logo data generating system may further comprise a data transmissionunit for sending the logo data generated by the logo data generatingunit to the target printer. A second memory unit may also be providedfor storing the logo data generated by the logo data generating unit.

According to another aspect of the invention, a method for generatinglogo data to be stored in and printed by a printer comprises the stepsof: (a) obtaining source data; (b) reading, based on modelidentification data, model-specific data for the at least one targetprinter from respective model-specific data stored for a plurality ofprinter models; (c) generating logo data by processing the source dataobtained in step (a) based on the model-specific data read in step (b);and (d) storing the generated logo data.

Preferably, step (c) comprises assigning source data colors to specificcolors printable by the target printer based on the model-specific dataread in step (b).

Preferably, step (c) comprises converting the size of the imagerepresented by the source data and the resolution of that image to apaper width and print resolution, respectively, usable by the targetprinter as specified in the model-specific data.

Step (b) may comprise reading data via a graphical user interface input.

The logo data generating method may further include the step ofoutputting the generated logo data. This step may entail outputting anexecutable file containing the logo data and a data transmission programfor sending the logo data and a command causing the target printer tostore the logo data therein. Alternatively, this step may entail sendingthe logo data and a command causing the target printer to directly storethe logo data therein.

A further aspect of the present invention involves a data storage mediumembodying a computer program for directing the execution of the logodata generating method described above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a logo data generating systemaccording to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a logo data generating systemaccording to a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram illustrating in further detail thedata processor shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a flow chart of a logo data generating method according to apreferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing in detail the model-specific data readingand setting step in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing in detail the image processing step inFIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing in detail the output step in FIG. 4; and

FIG. 8 shows an example of a main editing screen presented in a logodata generating system according to a preferred embodiment of theinvention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present invention are described below with referenceto the accompanying figures. It will be noted that the followingembodiments are presented by way of example only and are not intended tolimit the scope of the invention. From the following disclosure, it willbe apparent to one skilled in the related art that various alternativeembodiments can be achieved by replacing some or all of the elementsdescribed below with equivalent elements. Such variations are includedin the scope of this invention.

Embodiment 1

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the functions of a logo datagenerating system 10 according to a first embodiment of this invention.As shown in FIG. 1 this logo data generating system 10 has a sourceimage capturing unit 11, model-specific data storage 12, data processor13, output unit 14, settings input unit 15, display 16, and maincontroller 17 for controlling these other functions.

The logo data is created from source data normally stored in a hard diskdrive or other storage device (not shown in the figures) providedexternally to the logo data generating system 10. The source imagecapturing unit 11 reads the source data from such storage device underthe control of the main controller 17. For example, when the userspecifies the desired source data file, the main controller 17 instructsthe source image capturing unit 11 to capture the data from that fileand then store it. The source data can be stored in the source imagecapturing unit 11 temporarily until generating the logo data for printerregistration is completed, or can be stored for a longer period if itwill be used again to create different types of logo data based on thesame source data.

Two general types of files are also used to store the source data. Firstare files created in a format (referred to herein as “ELF files”) by alogo data editing system (not shown in the figures). Second are bitmapfiles and other common image files.

The logo data editing system referred to above may be of the typedescribed in the U.S. patent application filed on Dec. 13, 2001 andidentified by a. Such logo data editing system can, for example, combinemultiple images together with text in a single source data file, whichis then output as an ELF file.

Model-specific data for a plurality of different printer models isstored in the model-specific data storage 12. This model-specific dataincludes the name of the printer model, usable paper sizes (particularlywidth), printable colors, vertical print resolution, horizontal printresolution, communication parameters, as well as such model-specificcommunication specifications as the port, baud rate, bit length, paritycheck, flow control, and other parameters specific to a particularmodel.

This preferred embodiment is described using a printer with twoprintable colors, referred to herein as the first color and secondcolor. It will be apparent from this description, however, that theinvention can be applied to a printer with three or more printablecolors, or to a monochrome printer.

Controlled by the main controller 17, the data processor 13 reads thesource data captured and stored by the source image capturing unit 11,and reads the model-specific data from the model-specific data storage12 to determine the data processing parameters. The controller 17 couldalso read the printable colors, paper size, printer resolution, andother model-specific data to set the data processing parameters for thedata processor 13. In this case the controller 17 functions as themodel-specific data setting unit. The data processor 13 then processesthe source image according to the model-specific data and settings fromthe settings input unit 15 to generate the logo data to be stored in theprinter. More specifically, this operation processes and adjusts thepixel count, color information, and other source data features accordingto the model-specific data, including the paper width, printerresolution, and other features of the printer that will print the logodata. Printer model identification data specifying the target printermodel, and control information including settings determining the imageprocessing parameters, can be input from the settings input unit 15.

For example, if the print resolution of the printer is lower than theexpected resolution of the source data, the printed image will be largerthan the expected size if it is printed at the pixel count of the sourcedata. The area of the printed logo on the receipt will therefore differfrom the initial design, and if the source data was designed to beprinted to the full width of the paper, part of the logo will spill overthe edge of the paper and thus not be printed.

It is therefore necessary to reduce the image (that is, reduce the pixelcount) if the intended print resolution of the source data is differentfrom (is higher than) the resolution of the printer. It is desirable insuch cases to consider the width of the printing paper (receipt). If theprinter can only print using two colors of ink (two printable colors)and the source data has more colors, it is also necessary to reduce thesource data to the two printable colors. A color reduction process istherefore needed to assign the plural colors of the source data to thefirst and second printable colors of the printer.

The color assignment process can be initialized to particular printablecolors and printable color assignments, which are then set automaticallybased on the model-specific data when the logo data is produced. Theuser could also define the color assignments as desired rather thanusing such initialized settings. In general the colors actually printedby a two-color printer can be controlled by simply changing the inkcartridges, for example. This means that while the model-specific dataindicates that the printer can print two colors, which colors areactually printed can be freely selected when the logo data is created.

Designing the logo data generating process to automatically set minimumimage processing parameters according to the printer model based on themodel-specific data means that the user does not need to individuallyenter detailed printer information each time logo data is edited, thusreducing input errors and making operation easier for the user. Thismakes it possible to prevent, for example, mistakenly processing thelogo data for printing on a two-color printer when the logo data will beprinted on a monochrome printer, or creating a logo that is too big toprint on the paper as a result of setting the wrong print resolution.Furthermore, if it is desirable to change the color reduction method fora particular object in existing logo data, the corresponding editingprocess could be entered immediately by simply inputting the modelidentification data. Similarly, if the user wants to change the color ofa particular object, or change the halftone process or gray scaleprocess, the corresponding editing process can be started immediately bysimply inputting the model identification data. By thus automaticallysetting the data processing parameters, it is therefore possible to makeminor final changes to essentially completed logo data, make changes tocompleted logo data, and generate the initial logo data, by simplyspecifying the printer model without manually inputting the detailedsettings.

The logo data must be sent to the printer in order to store the logodata in the printer, and it is therefore also necessary to set theprinter communication parameters. The data read by the model-specificdata storage 12 in the present invention includes such printercommunication settings as the port, baud rate, bit length, parity check,and flow control settings, which are sent to the main controller 17 oroutput unit 14 to set the logo data communication parameters. Minimalinput from the user is therefore required.

If the output unit 14 generates an executable file as described below (alogo file containing a printer storage command), the logo data can beregistered by simply opening this file on the host terminal to which thetarget printer is connected if the communication parameters are embeddedin the data communication command set. Setting the printer communicationparameters is complicated and requires specialized knowledge. It istherefore particularly advantageous to be able to set the communicationparameters automatically based on the model-specific data.

The output unit 14 can store the logo data output from the dataprocessor 13 as a file (an “executable file” below) containing the logodata, a command for sending the logo data to the printer, and a programfor transferring the logo data to the target printer. The logo data tobe stored in the printer can also be converted to a bitmap format andstored as bitmap data.

The resulting logo data and executable file can be stored in memory (notshown in the figures) in the output unit 14. The logo data andexecutable file can also be stored in the logo data generating system 10or in an external storage device (not shown in the figures). The storedlogo data can also be read as source data used to create new logo data,and when a new printer model is introduced, for example, existing logodata can be easily converted to logo data appropriate to the new modelby simply setting the model-specific data for the target printer.

By providing a function for easily setting the data processingparameters needed to create logo data and the communication parametersfor registering the logo data in a printer, this embodiment of theinvention makes it possible to quickly and easily create logo data to bestored in a printer and enables the logo data to be quickly saved to theprinter.

Embodiment 2

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functions of a logo datagenerating system 10-2 according to a second embodiment of the presentinvention. Like parts in the logo data generating system 10-2 of thissecond embodiment and the first embodiment are identified by the samenames and reference numerals. The logo data generating system 10-2 ofthis embodiment additionally has a model ID data capturing unit 18connected to the printer 19 via a communication bus 20. The targetprinter is identified in the first embodiment above as a result of theuser inputting model identification data specifying the target printermodel. In this second embodiment, however, the model identification datais stored in the printer 19 so that it can be read directly from theprinter 19. The logo data generating system 10-2 of this embodimenttherefore has a model ID data capturing unit 18 for reading the modelidentification data stored in the printer 19. Line 30 in FIG. 2schematically indicates that the model ID data capturing unit 18 readsthe model identification data from the printer 19.

The main controller 17 identifies the model of printer 19 from the modelidentification data read by the model ID data capturing unit 18. Basedon the identified printer model, the main controller 17 then reads themodel-specific data from the model-specific data storage 12 and sets upthe data processor 13.

If the model identification data cannot be read by the model ID datacapturing unit 18, the model ID data can be input by the user asdescribed in the first embodiment.

In addition to a function for storing the logo data as an executablefile or a bitmap file as described in the first embodiment, the outputunit 14 also has a function for sending the logo data output by the dataprocessor 13 and a storing command to the printer via communication bus20. It also has a function for storing the logo data directly in theprinter. This logo data communication function and function for directlystoring the logo data in the printer can also be provided in the firstembodiment by connecting the logo data generating system and printerwith a communications cable.

The functions of the source image capturing unit 11, data processor 13,settings input unit 15, and display 16 in this second embodiment areidentical to those in the first embodiment.

The communication bus 20 can be a serial cable, parallel cable, networkcable, USB, or other data communication format. It will also be apparentthat communication between the logo data generating system 10-2 andprinter 19 shall not be limited to a physical communication cable. Forexample, a wireless communication system known from the literature,including IrDA (Infrared Data Association) or other infraredcommunication system, or wireless LAN technology using spread spectrumcommunication, could be used to connect the printer.

FIG. 2 shows a single printer 19 connected to the logo data generatingsystem 10-2. A POS system, however, typically has multiple printers.Multiple printers could therefore be connected via a LAN so that themodel identification data can be read from each of the printers.

The functions of the data processor 13 are described in further detailbelow with reference to FIG. 3, which is a functional block diagram ofthe data processor 13 shown in either FIG. 1 or FIG. 2. As shown in FIG.3 the data processor 13 has source image storage 21, resolution settingunit 22, width setting unit 23, size setting unit 24, component colorsetting unit 25, and logo data generator 26.

The present invention automatically sets image processing parametersbased on the model-specific data in order to produce logo dataappropriate to printer performance and prevent generating logo dataincompatible with the target printer.

The source image storage 21 reads and stores the source data for imageprocessing from the source image capturing unit 11 (FIG. 1 or FIG. 2).The resolution setting unit 22 processes the source data so that theresolution conforms to the print resolution defined in themodel-specific data, and the width setting unit 23 adjusts the width ofthe source data to conform to the width of the paper used in the printeras defined in the model-specific data. The size setting unit 24 drivesimage processing by the resolution setting unit 22 and width settingunit 23, combines the results therefrom, and confirms that the size ofthe final source data conforms to the paper size of the printer. Thecomponent color setting unit 25 processes the colors of the source datato match the printable colors defined in the model-specific data. Thisimage processing step applies, for example, to color reduction,brightness, and gray scale level. Based on the image processed sourcedata output from the size setting unit 24 and component color settingunit 25, the logo data generator 26 then generates the logo data forprinter storage. It will be noted that the resolution setting unit 22,width setting unit 23, size setting unit 24, and component color settingunit 25 are shown in FIG. 3 as the structure for setting themodel-specific data, but it will also be apparent that additionalstructure can be provided or one or more of these could be omitted.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart of a logo data generating method according to apreferred embodiment of the invention. This logo data generating methodhas a source data capture step (S1) for capturing and storing the sourcedata used to generate the logo data, a model-specific data reading step(S2) for reading the model-specific data for the printer based on themodel identification data, an image processing step (S3) for generatingthe logo data by processing the source data based on the model-specificdata read in step S2, and an output step (S4) for outputting theresulting logo data.

The model-specific data reading step (S2) in FIG. 4 is described infurther detail with reference to FIG. 5, which is a flow chart showing apreferred embodiment of the model-specific data reading step (S2). Thesteps executed after the source data is obtained and stored in step S1in FIG. 4 are determined based on whether or not a printer is connectedto the logo data generating system (S21). If a printer is not connected(S21 returns no; equivalent to the above first embodiment), the modelidentification data is input (S22). The main controller 17 thendetermines the printer model based on the supplied model identificationdata, reads the corresponding model-specific data, and applies thesettings to the data processor 13 (S23). Once the model-specific data isread and the settings are completed, control advances to step S3 in FIG.4.

If a printer is connected (S21 returns yes; equivalent to the abovesecond embodiment), the model identification data stored to the printer19 is read by the model ID data capturing unit 18 (S24). The maincontroller 17 then determines the printer model based on the model ID,reads the corresponding model-specific data, and applies the settings tothe data processor 13 (S25). Once the model-specific data is read andthe settings are completed, control advances to step S3 in FIG. 4. Notethat it is also possible to omit step 21 confirming whether a printer isconnected, and proceed directly to step S22 so that the user inputs themodel identification data even when a printer is connected.

The image processing step (S3) in FIG. 4 is described in further detailwith reference to FIG. 6, which is a flow chart showing a preferredembodiment of the image processing step (S3) in FIG. 4. When reading andsetting the model-specific data in the model-specific data reading step(S2) in FIG. 4 is completed, logo data for registration in the printeris generated by processing the source data to adjust the width,resolution, and colors of the source data, for example, to the width ofthe paper used by the printer, the print resolution, and the printablecolors defined in the model-specific data (S31).

The resulting logo data is then previewed for the user, that is, a printimage of the logo data is presented on the display of the logo datagenerating system (S32). The source data read in the source data capturestep (S1) is also displayed at this time. The user is thus able toconfirm the print image of the source data on the display and decide iffurther manual adjustment of the logo image is required or whetherfurther editing of the source data is required. Whether the logo isacceptable and the editing process is completed is then determined(S33).

If the user determines that further editing of the logo data or editingof the source data is needed (S33 returns no), whether source data isdesired is determined (S35). If further source data editing is selected(S35 returns yes), the user confirms whether the source data is an ELFfile (S36). If the source data is an ELF file (S36 returns yes), editingto change the size and colors of the source data by a logo data editingsystem is possible. In this case the logo data generating system istemporarily exited, and control passes to the logo data editing screen(not shown in the figures) of the logo data editing system to edit thesource data. As noted previously, an ELF file can store both images andtext in a single file, and both images and text can therefore be editedin a single file. Note that “editing” as used here means to change partof the source data image by, for example, changing the background of thesource data to a different background. The re-edited source data isstored in the logo data editing system. When editing is completed thelogo data generating system is started up again and control returns tostep S31, where image processing is applied to the re-edited sourcedata, and new logo data reflecting the edited source data is generated.

If the source data is not an ELF file (S36 returns no), the procedureloops back to step S33 and the user again decides whether editing thelogo data is completed (S33). If the user decides to continue editingthe logo data (S33 returns no) and step S35 also returns no, thesettings for the next pass through the image process are input (S37).The color reduction process, printable colors, color assignment,brightness adjustment, gray scale adjustment, and other image processingparameters can be set in step S37. Once the settings are completed, theprocedure loops back to step S31 and the logo data is processedaccording to the new settings.

The resulting print image is then previewed (S32). If the user indicatesthat editing is finished and the logo is completed (S33 returns yes),the procedure advances to the output step (S4 in FIG. 4).

The output step (S4) in FIG. 4 is described next with reference to FIG.7, which is a flow chart of a preferred embodiment of the output step(S4 in FIG. 4). The user controlling logo file generation can select theoutput format for the file using an input device in this embodiment ofthe invention. The output step (S4) therefore confirms whether to outputthe logo data directly to the printer for storage therein, or firststore the logo data in a file, and then complete the selected operation.

More specifically, the output step first confirms whether to outputdirectly to the target printer or store the logo data in a file (S41).If saving the logo data as a file is selected (S41 returns yes), theuser is asked whether to save the file as an executable file or as abitmap file (S42).

If the user chooses to store the file as an executable file (S42 returnsyes), an executable file containing the logo data, a command for storingthe logo data in the target printer and a program for sending the logodata to the printer are created (S43). The resulting executable file isthen stored in the output unit 14 or in an external storage device ormemory (S44), and the procedure ends.

If the user chooses to store the logo data as a bitmap file and not anexecutable file (S42 returns no), the logo data is converted to a bitmapformat (S45). The converted data is then stored in the output unit 14 orin an external storage device or memory (S44), and the procedure ends.

The system can also be configured so that both bitmap and executablefiles can be read after being saved for subsequent image processing, orcan be stored to the printer (S47). If the user indicates in step S33 inFIG. 6 that logo data editing is finished and selects to save the fileto the printer (S41 returns no), the logo data and a command instructingthe printer to store the logo data are sent to the target printer, thecompleted logo data is thus stored to the target printer (S47), and theprocedure ends.

FIG. 8 shows an example of the main logo data-editing screen that may beused in a process according to the present invention for generating logodata. The main logo data editing screen 27 is a display and data inputscreen that can be manipulated through a graphical user interface (GUI)and is presented on a display 16 (FIG. 1 or FIG. 2) such as a CRTmonitor or flat panel display. The main logo data editing screen 27 iscontrolled by the settings input unit 15 and display 16.

The main logo data editing screen 27 shown in FIG. 8 has a suite ofmodel-specific data setting functions 28 for entering modelidentification data for the target printer, specifying the printablecolors, and communication parameters; a file selection box 29 forindicating the file from which the source data is to be read; a button30 that when selected presents a list of source data files; a sourcedata display area 31 for viewing the source data image; a print imagedisplay area 32 for previewing the image processed logo data; an imageprocessing parameters selection area 33 for setting the logo dataediting parameters; and various control buttons 34.

The model name of the target printer (model identification data), papersize (width), printable colors 1 and 2, vertical and horizontal printresolution, port number, and such model-specific data that must be setaccording to the port as the baud rate, bit length, parity check, flowcontrol settings.

The image processing parameters selection area 33 is used to control thespecific image processing method by setting such parameters as the colorreduction method, brightness, and gray scale level. These settings canbe set using slider controls, for example. The color reduction slidercan be used to adjust the color reduction process in three stages from“coarse” to “fine,” corresponding to simple color reduction, dithering,and error diffusion, for example. Brightness can be controlled in fivelevels in this example.

If the source data is an image file, a check box (not shown in thefigure) for running a process to adjust the source data to the width ofthe paper used by the printer could also be provided.

The control buttons 34 include a new 35, edit 36, preview 37, test print38, save to file 39, save to printer 40, and quit 41 button.

The new 35 button is used to edit a new source data file using the logodata editing system (not shown in the figure). If this new 35 button ispressed while creating logo data, the logo data generation process istemporarily exited as described when step S36 in the ELF file editingprocess (FIG. 6) returns yes.

The edit 36 button is used to decide whether or not to edit source datain the ELF file format (S36). The preview 37 button is used to previewthe print image shown in the print image display area 32 in a separatewindow in real (1:1) size. The test print 38 button is used to make atest print of the previewed logo data. The save to file 39 button isused to save the logo data as a bitmap file or executable file. The saveto printer 40 button is used to store the logo data directly to thetarget printer. The quit 41 button is used to terminate operation of thelogo data generating system.

A program for the logo data generating method described above includesan input control module for controlling input of command signals neededto generate the logo data and store the generated logo data; a displaycontrol module for controlling the display of information needed togenerate logo data and store the logo data to a printer; amodel-specific data reading control module for controlling reading themodel-specific data for the target printer; a source data capturecontrol module for controlling capturing the source data; a settingscontrol module for controlling processing the source data to conformwith the printer features and performance and thus generate the logodata; and an output control module for controlling output of theresulting logo data.

The logo data generating system of this invention can be achieved usinga general purpose computer, e.g., a personal computer or host computerconnected to a printer, or other data processing system. For example, adata storage medium recording the program described above could be readby the computer system to install the program to the computer so thatthe computer can be used as the logo data generating system of thisinvention. The data storage medium may include any knowncomputer-readable medium for storing a program and may include, forexample, a floppy disk, hard disk, CD-ROM, or other such storage medium,a network signal that may be transmitted over the Internet, or otherelectromagnetic carrier wave signal. The source data of the image datasupplied to the printer for printing the logo can also be stored on anysuch computer-readable medium.

The memory for storing the printer model name and model-dependentattributes, such as the number of printable colors, print resolution,and paper width is preferably non-volatile storage, such as a hard diskor flash memory in a host computer.

The selection unit for selecting a printer model from memory controlsselection of a model name displayed on a CRT, LCD or other display unitof a host computer using a mouse, keyboard, or other input device.

The logo data generating unit for processing the source data to createlogo data for printing based on the model name of the target printerselected by the selection unit and the number of printable colors, printresolution, and paper width attributes of the selected target printer iscontrolled by a controller in the host computer.

It will be noted that this logo data generating system could also beconfigured so that the items included in the image processing parametersset automatically according to the model-specific data of the targetprinter can be changed, or so that the parameters set automaticallyaccording to the model-specific data can be changed during the logo datageneration process, and that such modifications are also included in thescope of this invention. It is also possible to turn the settings forall image processing parameters based on the model-specific data off,have the user set all parameters, and process the logo data according tothe user settings.

Advantages of the Invention

By storing the print resolution, printable colors, and other informationspecific to the target printer, reading this stored model-specific databased on input model identification data, and automatically setting theimage processing parameters and communication parameters based on themodel-specific data, the present invention provides a logo datagenerating system and logo data generating method that can quickly andeasily generate logo data to be stored in the target printer, and caneasily save the resulting logo data to the printer.

While the invention has been described in conjunction with severalspecific embodiments, many further alternatives, modifications,variations and applications will be apparent to those skilled in the artthat in light of the foregoing description. Thus, the inventiondescribed herein is intended to embrace all such alternatives,modifications, variations and applications as may fall within the spiritand scope of the appended claims.

1. An apparatus for generating logo data to be stored in and printed bya printer, the apparatus comprising: a source data obtaining unitconfigured to obtain source data used to generate the logo data; areading unit configured to read model-specific data for at least onetarget printer from respective model-specific data stored for aplurality of printer models, wherein the at least one target printerincludes memory in which the logo data is to be stored; a logo datagenerating unit configured to generate the logo data by processing thesource data based on the model-specific data read by the reading unit;and an output unit configured to register the logo data in the printerby instructing the printer to store the logo data generated by the logodata generating unit in the printer's memory.
 2. An apparatus asdescribed in claim 1, wherein the model-specific data is limited to datathat can be identified by model identification data.
 3. An apparatus asdescribed in claim 2, wherein the apparatus is adapted to disablereceipt of at least some data for which setting is not required based onpreviously received or set control data.
 4. An apparatus as described inclaim 3, wherein at least some control data are initialized torespective specific values that can be changed based on other controldata received by the apparatus.
 5. An apparatus as described in claim 4,wherein the apparatus is adapted to enable specifying colors availablefor printing in the at least one target printer.
 6. An apparatus asdescribed in claim 5, wherein the apparatus is adapted to assign sourcedata colors to specific colors printable by the at least one targetprinter based on the model-specific data.
 7. An apparatus as describedin claim 6, wherein the stored model-specific data includescommunications parameters for each of the plurality of printer models,and the apparatus is adapted to set communications parameters forsending logo data to the at least one target printer based on themodel-specific data.
 8. An apparatus as described in claim 7, whereinregistering the logo data includes the output unit outputting anexecutable file containing the logo data, a printer registration commandfor storing the logo data in the memory of the at least one targetprinter, and a data transmission command for sending the printerregistration command and the logo data to the at least one targetprinter.
 9. The apparatus described in claim 8, wherein opening theexecutable file on a host terminal causes the data transmission commandto be executed causing, the logo data along with the printerregistration command to be sent to the printer, which causes the printerto store the logo data in the printer's memory.
 10. The apparatusdescribed in claim 1, wherein registering the logo data includes sendinga command to the printer along with the logo data to store the logo datain the memory of the target printer, so that a logo print command can besent to the printer to print the logo data stored in the memory of theprinter.
 11. The apparatus described in claim 1, wherein the logo datagenerating unit generates the logo data by adjusting the size, color andresolution of the source data according to the characteristics of theprinter described in the model-specific data.
 12. An apparatus asdescribed in claim 1, wherein the apparatus has a graphical userinterface input function.
 13. An apparatus as described in claim 9, theapparatus receiving unit does not display input items for which settingis not required based on received or set data.
 14. An apparatus asdescribed in claim 10, further comprising a display adapted to displayan image based on the source data and an image based on data afterprocessing by the logo data generating unit.
 15. An apparatus asdescribed in claim 11, wherein the display is adapted to display theimages aligned for comparison on one side of the display.
 16. A methodfor generating logo data to be stored in memory of a printer and printedby the printer, the method comprising the steps of: (a) obtaining sourcedata; (b) reading, based on model identification data, model-specificdata for the at least one target printer from respective model-specificdata stored for a plurality of printer models; (c) generating logo databy processing the source data obtained in step (a) based on themodel-specific data read in step (b); and (d) selecting a step selectedfrom the group including step (e) and step (f) wherein, step (e)comprises outputting the generated logo data as an executable filecontaining the logo data and a data transmission command for sending thelogo data and a command causing the at least one target printer to storethe logo data therein; and step (f) comprises sending the logo data anda command causing the at least one target printer to directly store thelogo data therein.
 17. A method as described in claim 16, wherein step(c) comprises assigning source data colors to specific colors printableby the at least one target printer based on the model-specific data. 18.A method as described in claim 16, wherein step (c) comprises convertingthe size of the image represented by the source data and the resolutionof that image to a paper width and print resolution, respectively,usable by the at least one target printer as specified in themodel-specific data.
 19. A method as described in claim 16, wherein datais received via a graphical user interface.
 20. A computer readablemedium storing a computer readable program of instructions for directingthe execution of the method as described in claim
 16. 21. The methoddescribed in claim 16, wherein sending the logo data includes sending acommand to the printer along with the logo data to store the logo datain the memory of the target printer, so that a logo print command can besent to the printer to print the logo data stored in the memory of theprinter.
 22. The method described in claim 16, wherein opening theexecutable file on a host terminal causes the data transmission commandto be executed causing, the logo data along with the printerregistration command to be sent to the printer, which causes the printerto store the logo data in the printer's memory.
 23. The method describedin claim 16, wherein the logo data is generated by adjusting the size,color and resolution of the source data according to the characteristicsof the printer described in the model-specific data.